Sunderland could line up swap deal and really upset local rivals, official spotted at club

According to Turkish newspaper Milliyet, a Sunderland scout was spotted last night at the match between Olympiacos and Besiktas. Sunderland were especially watching the Europa League match to get more information on Tolgay Arslan, who plays for Besiktas.

Milliyet explain it’s not the first time Sunderland have sent someone to get a report on the Germany born midfielder, and the Premier League club’s interest is being taken seriously.

Interestingly, Besiktas interest in Jeremain Lens has been rumoured over the past week or so and that presents the possibility of some sort of swap deal, or a player plus cash payment.

Lens is on loan at Besiktas’ Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce, with the latter trying to talk Sunderland down in price. The Dutchman has been a success in Turkey and it would be quite some coup for Besiktas to snatch him from their local rivals.

Increasing interest in Lens can only help Sunderland, even if just to pressure Fenerbahce to pay up.